X-ray imaging reference scan

A method for operating an X-ray imaging device, comprising:

• providing an X-ray source for emitting a beam of X-ray radiation;
• providing an X-ray detector arranged opposite the X-ray source across an examination region for accommodating an object to be imaged;
• providing a grating arrangement arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and configured to modulate onto the X-ray radiation a fringe pattern detectable by the X-ray detector;
• and
• acquiring reference scan data during an imaging operation without the object in the examination region;
• by moving the grating arrangement in a scanning motion to a number of different positions, in a motion path direction, relative to the X-ray detector while keeping the X-ray detector stationary relative to the examination region, such that in the scanning motion a series of fringe patterns is detected by the X-ray detector;
• and
• by moving the grating arrangement in the scanning motion to the same positions, in the motion path direction, relative to the X-ray detector for a different series of fringe patterns, such that phase information is separated from other information.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium having one or more executable instructions stored thereon which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method for operating an X-ray imaging device, the method comprising:

• providing an X-ray source for emitting a beam of X-ray radiation;
• providing an X-ray detector arranged opposite the X-ray source across an examination region for accommodating an object to be imaged;
• providing a grating arrangement arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and configured to modulate onto the X-ray radiation a fringe pattern detectable by the X-ray detector;
• and
• acquiring reference scan data during an imaging operation without the object in the examination region;
• by moving the grating arrangement in a scanning motion to a number of different positions, in a motion path direction, relative to the X-ray detector while keeping the X-ray detector stationary relative to the examination region, such that in the scanning motion a series of fringe patterns is detected by the X-ray detector;
• and
• by moving the grating arrangement in the scanning motion to the same positions, in the motion path direction, relative to the X-ray detector for a different series of fringe patterns, such that phase information is separated from other information.